Adoption Immigration
Hague Convention Adoptions
For adoptions from countries that are parties to the Hague Adoption Convention. Requires using approved agencies and following specific international protocols.
Forms: I-800A (preliminary) and I-800 (individual petition)
Agencies: Must be Hague-accredited
Countries: 75+ Hague Convention countries
Citizenship: Automatic if full adoption completed abroad
Non-Hague Orphan Petitions
For adoptions from non-Hague countries using traditional orphan petition procedures. Child must meet strict 'orphan' definition under U.S. immigration law.
Forms: I-600A (advance processing) and I-600 (petition)
Definition: Must prove child is legally an 'orphan'
Age Limit: Under 16 at filing (18 if sibling)
Citizenship: May be automatic depending on adoption completion
Active Adoption Programs by Country
Hague Convention Countries (Active Programs)
Must use Hague adoption procedures and approved agencies
Non-Hague Countries (Active Programs)
Follow orphan petition procedures (I-600/I-600A)
Countries with Suspended Programs
Programs suspended - check current status with State Department
Country Program Changes
International adoption programs frequently change due to policy shifts, international agreements, and bilateral relationships. Always verify current program status with the U.S. State Department and your adoption agency before proceeding.
Hague Convention Adoption Process
Complete Hague Adoption Timeline
Choose Hague-Accredited Agency
Work with USCIS-approved Hague Adoption Service Provider
Required Documents:
- •Research approved agencies in your state
- •Initial consultation and contracts
- •Begin home study process
- •Complete Hague adoption training
Complete Home Study & File I-800A
Obtain favorable home study and file for preliminary immigration approval
Required Documents:
- •Form I-800A (Application for Determination of Suitability)
- •Completed home study by approved agency
- •Biometric services for all household members
- •Background checks and child abuse clearances
- •$775 filing fee + $85 per person biometrics
Match with Child & File I-800
Receive child referral and file individual petition
Required Documents:
- •Child referral from approved agency
- •Form I-800 (Petition to Classify Convention Adoptee)
- •Evidence of child's eligibility and background
- •Adoption or custody documents
- •$775 filing fee
Complete Adoption Abroad
Travel to child's country and complete legal adoption
Required Documents:
- •Final adoption decree or custody order
- •Hague Adoption Certificate or Article 23 Certificate
- •Child's medical examination
- •Consular processing for immigrant visa
- •Travel documents for return to U.S.
Enter U.S. & Citizenship Process
Child enters as permanent resident, automatic citizenship may apply
Required Documents:
- •Valid immigrant visa or IR-3/IH-3 visa
- •Child Citizenship Act automatic citizenship (if applicable)
- •Apply for U.S. passport or Certificate of Citizenship
- •Complete post-adoption reporting requirements
Hague Adoption Requirements
Requirements for Hague Convention Adoptions
- Child must be habitually resident in Hague Convention country
- Adoption must comply with both U.S. and foreign country laws
- Hague Adoption Certificate or custody decree required
- Home study by Hague-accredited agency required
- Child must be eligible for immigration (meet orphan definition or other criteria)
- Adoptive parents must meet U.S. age, marriage, and financial requirements
- Medical examination and background checks for all family members
Non-Hague Orphan Petition Process
Orphan Petition Process Timeline
File Form I-600A
Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition
Required Documents:
- •Form I-600A petition
- •Home study by licensed agency
- •Biometric services for all household members
- •Background checks and clearances
- •$775 filing fee + biometrics fees
Identify & Adopt Child
Locate eligible orphan and complete adoption process abroad
Required Documents:
- •Proof child meets orphan definition
- •Legal adoption or custody decree
- •Evidence of proper legal procedures
- •Child's birth certificate and documents
File Form I-600
Petition to Classify Orphan as Immediate Relative
Required Documents:
- •Form I-600 petition
- •Final adoption decree or custody order
- •Proof of child's orphan status
- •Evidence adoption not for immigration purposes
- •$775 filing fee
Consular Processing
Child receives immigrant visa at U.S. consulate
Required Documents:
- •Approved I-600 petition
- •Child's medical examination
- •Interview at U.S. consulate
- •Immigrant visa issuance
Entry & Citizenship
Child enters U.S. as permanent resident, may obtain automatic citizenship
Required Documents:
- •Valid immigrant visa (IR-4 or IH-4)
- •Child Citizenship Act may provide automatic citizenship
- •Apply for U.S. passport or Certificate of Citizenship
Non-Hague Requirements
Requirements for Orphan Petitions (Non-Hague)
- Child must meet 'orphan' definition under U.S. immigration law
- Adoption or legal custody granted by competent authority
- Home study by licensed adoption agency required
- Proof that adoption was not primarily for immigration purposes
- Evidence of proper legal procedures in country of origin
- Adoptive parents must meet all standard immigration requirements
- Child must be under 16 at time of filing (or under 18 if sibling of adopted child under 16)
Child Citizenship Scenarios
IR-3/IH-3 Visa (Full Adoption Abroad)
Child was adopted abroad by both parents or sole parent
Citizenship Status:
Automatic U.S. citizenship upon entry under Child Citizenship Act
Documentation:
Eligible for U.S. passport immediately
IR-4/IH-4 Visa (Custody for Adoption)
Adoption not final abroad, must be completed in U.S.
Citizenship Status:
Must complete adoption in U.S., then automatic citizenship applies
Documentation:
Certificate of Citizenship or U.S. passport after U.S. adoption
Important Adoption Immigration Considerations
Costs & Timeline
- • Total costs: $20,000-$50,000+ including agency fees
- • USCIS fees: $1,550 in government filing fees
- • Timeline: 2-5 years from start to completion
- • Country variations: Processing times vary significantly
- • Post-adoption reports: Required for several years
Common Challenges
- • Program closures: Countries may suspend programs
- • Age restrictions: Child must be under 16 (or 18 if sibling)
- • Home study requirements: Extensive family evaluation
- • Travel requirements: Multiple trips may be required
- • Documentation: Extensive paperwork and translations